Wisdom for Life

In the court of King Solomon, there was a famous story where he needed to decide who the real mother of a baby was. Two women claimed the child, and Solomon proposed to cut the baby in half. The true mother immediately offered to give up her claim rather than see her child harmed. Solomon's wisdom not only revealed the mother but also demonstrated how wisdom can sometimes come from the most unexpected places. It's a reminder that wisdom often requires us to look beyond the obvious things in life, even if it means making tough decisions for the greater good.

You need wisdom to live life well.

Hokmah- Wisdom

1. Preparation for the Proverbs

What is a proverb?

A short saying of a practival truth that’s easy to remember.

“Look before you Leap”

Biblical proverbs offer more than common sense.-

Proverb relates to the word “to represent, to be like”

A little model of reality .

What are the Proverbs?

The Book of Proverbs is a prime example of biblical wisdom literature in the Old Testament, following Psalms and preceding Ecclesiastes

Most proverbs are attributed to King Solomon, son of David, who is credited with composing 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs, though only about 800 of his proverbs appear in the book.

31 chapters and is a collection of various sections:

Chapters 1-9 introduce wisdom personified;

10-22 contain Solomon's proverbs;

22:17-24:34 feature sayings of the wise;

25-29 include more of Solomon's proverbs compiled by King Hezekiah's officials

Chapter 30 has words of Agur

Chapter 31 includes sayings of King Lemuel

Plus the famous ode to the virtuous woman - Acrosic of eal line starts with a letter of the Hebrew ALphbet. 22

But there are other like “Words of the WIse” are sayings like thoes found in Proverbs 22:17-24:22. “THe instruction of Amenemope from Egypt. -

There is evidence that the first part (22:17–23:11) has drawn upon the Egyptian wisdom of Amenemope (cf. 4:1–27 note)

Luder G. Whitlock; R. C. Sproul; Bruce K. Waltke; Moisés Silva

The sayings of 22:17–23:11 bear remarkable resemblance to a section of the Egyptian proverbs of Amenemope (Amenophis), probably ca. 1000 or somewhat earlier.

William Sanford LaSor; David Allan; Frederic Bush

Augustine of Hippo

Let every good and true Christian... understand that wherever truth may be found, it belongs to his Master."

All truth is Gods truth?

The Book of Proverbs is a prime example of biblical wisdom literature in the Old Testament, following Psalms and preceding Ecclesiastes

: Most proverbs are attributed to King Solomon, son of David, who is credited with composing 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs, though only about 800 of his proverbs appear in the book.Primary Author

: The book spans 31 chapters and is a collection of various sections: Chapters 1-9 introduce wisdom personified; 10-22 contain Solomon's proverbs; 22:17-24:34 feature sayings of the wise; 25-29 include more of Solomon's proverbs compiled by King Hezekiah's officials; Chapter 30 has words of Agur; and Chapter 31 includes sayings of King Lemuel plus the famous ode to the virtuous woman.Structure and Compilation

: It emphasizes "the fear of the Lord" as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), contrasting wise living with folly, and promotes righteousness, humility, and practical godliness in daily life.Core Theme

: Proverbs compiles short, memorable instructions for effective earthly living, revealing God's mind on both lofty spiritual matters and common everyday situations; it's not a book of rigid laws but of general principles.Purpose and Style

: Unlike guarantees or promises, proverbs describe probabilities—if one fears the Lord and makes wise choices, things are likely to go well, but they acknowledge life's complexities and exceptions.Probabilistic Nature

: The book shows God's concern for every aspect of life, from relationships and work to speech and finances, encouraging moral discernment in all areas.Holistic Scope

: As wisdom literature, it influenced later biblical books like Ecclesiastes and has been a source for practical Christian teaching on ethics and decision-making throughout history.Influence and Legacy

How do should you read the proverbs?

2. Purpose of the Proverbs

To develop Godly Character and to Correct thinking.

Learning

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

For learning wisdom and discipline;

for understanding insightful sayings;

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise … There is no fool so great as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.

Charles Spurgeon

Instructing

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

3 for receiving prudent instruction

in righteousness, justice, and integrity;

Teaching

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced,

knowledge and discretion to a young man—

Prudence

Knowledge

Discretion

Understanding

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

for understanding a proverb or a parable,

the words of the wise, and their riddles.

“Words of the WIse” are sayings like thoes found in Proverbs 22:17-24:34.

Their aim is practical instruction through a combination of exhortations supported by experiential reactions.

Wisdom, then, is not a matter of memorizing proverbs and applying them mechanically and absolutely. Wisdom is knowing the right time and the right circumstance to apply the right principle to the right person.

Tremper Longman, III

3. Pursuit in the Proverbs

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

7 The fear of the LORD

is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Gain knowledge and to apply it to your life.

Read a proverb a day take it in little chuncks.

Once, while studying Aristotle, students discovered the philosopher's practical approach to teaching wisdom. He utilized everyday situations to convey lessons. One day, Aristotle and his students witnessed a bird stealing seeds from them. Instead of shooing it away, he paused and pointed out how resourceful the bird was – grabbing the opportunity when it arose. His lesson echoed life's need for wisdom: be observant, be flexible, and seize your moments. This teaches us that wisdom is often found in the small, daily events if we're willing to see them with an open mind.